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San Jose, CA Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Large vehicle threshold
over 6 ft high or 7 ft wide
Who designates zones
Director, Streets and Traffic
Notice before posting
15 days after mailed notice
Enforcement
towing under CVC § 22561(n)
Applies only where
street posted as no-large-vehicle zone

Summary

San Jose can post any street as a "no large vehicle parking zone" and have vehicles over 6 feet tall or 7 feet wide towed if parked there, under Municipal Code Chapter 11.98.

"Large vehicle" includes every vehicle, including any load thereon, which exceeds six feet in height, or which exceeds seven feet in width. ... No person shall park a large vehicle in any zone posted as a "no large vehicle parking zone."

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 11.98, the Director of the Department of Streets and Traffic may, at their sole discretion, designate any street or portion of a street as a "no large vehicle parking zone" after determining that parked large vehicles create a safety hazard for pedestrians or drivers. "Large vehicle" means any vehicle, including its load, over 6 feet high or 7 feet wide. Property owners in the affected zone get mailed notice, and signs cannot go up until 15 days after that notice. Once posted, parking a large vehicle there violates SJMC § 11.98.060 and the vehicle can be removed under California Vehicle Code § 22561(n) pursuant to a City Council resolution.

Violations & Fines

Parking a large vehicle in a posted "no large vehicle parking zone" violates § 11.98.060; the city may have the vehicle towed under CVC § 22561(n) once the zone is identified in a Council resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ban large vehicles on every residential street?
No. It only applies to specific streets the Director has formally designated and posted after a safety study, not citywide by default.
Can I ask the city to review my street?
Yes. Section 11.98.030 lets a citizen request a traffic study, and the Director must mail affected property owners a notice of determination either way.
Can a posted zone decision be challenged?
Yes. Section 11.98.050 allows anyone to request reconsideration, and the Director's decision can be appealed to the City Council within ten days.

Sources & Official References

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